perfect your quarterly goal setting for victory this year

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Goals. I have always been so bad with goals. The yearly goal setting or “resolution” making just seemed so foreign to me. How will I know what I want to do or where I will even be in a year from now? It just seemed so out of touch that I wouldn’t even try. But as an ambitious person, I knew that organizing myself was a key to getting things done. Where there is no vision, the people perish. So I tried new things, waiting for something to resonate with me. Then I discovered quarterly goal setting.

Why quarterly goal setting?

Then it occurred to me, why not split the year into 4 quarters? There are four seasons. This resonated with me since I live in New England, there are a lot of seasonal things you have to take advantage of when they are in season, or you miss the opportunity. Think skiing in winter, or going to the beach in the summer. But I found while being a homeowner, a wife, and a mom there are things in our family routines we like to do at certain times of the year too, or things that have to be done at certain times of the year. Think shrub trimming, leaf raking. I started to think of goals as more of a seasonal “to-do” and “want to do” type of thing. I could make sure that i’m not missing out on anything that I want to do or need to do and that I’m also being realistic with what can get done during each season, because i’m seeing all the “to-do’s” at once.

5 steps to your quarterly goals

1. build your boundaries

For me, I set mine January through March, April through June, July through September, and October through December. But you could certainly modify or even make some “quarters” longer or shorter based on your needs.

2. Fill in things you do

Fill in the things that are non-negotiables for you in this quarter and major to-do’s that have to happen, then start dreaming about things you want to do or accomplish during this time and add them as you feel it is realistic, or add them anyways and shoot for the stars!

3. Quarterly planning

When the quarter begins, break down and star things that need to get done first on your list, or that need some planning or steps before they can be done. Make sure that these things make it to your weekly to-do list. As Friday approaches, I push it to get these things done before the week is up. I like to avoid certain to-dos on my weekend, especially on Sunday, as I prioritize rest. Things that don’t get done can always get moved to next week but I try to avoid that. But it is life, and that can be inevitable. Maybe I will have more motivation or time next week, or I can plan accordingly based on my quarterly timeline.

4. Regularly review and short term plan

Constantly review your quarterly goal list. I’ve currently kept it the Google Keep app in my phone, but I’m thinking I may try to physically post it so I can see it more regularly. When I make up my to-dos for the week (always on a small notepad), I can refer to my goals list as I make my list of to-dos. I add any cleaning tasks that I’ve been avoiding, or errands that need to be run. The ticking time of the short quarter and seeing all the things that need to happen naturally keeps me going.

Things that need to be done on a specific date, I get it on the calendar now, so I don’t make any other arrangements by accident.

5. Do the things!

Now, finally, get ready to conquer your goals! Hopefully the short term and broken down weekly (even daily if you prefer daily to-do lists) format will help you to take the steps necessary to achieving these things.

The list is always there for you to add to if you think of new things or have things you end up achieving in this quarter that you want to remember. The quarterly goals gives a structure and a place for these ideas and achievements.

troubleshooting your quarterly goals

If you consistently don’t have enough time to meet your goals or to-dos, maybe reassess where you are at the moment. What other things are you doing that could be taking away from your time? Be clear. Even if it is your job or things that are in your mind as non-negotiables, make a note. Then be open minded about what can go or change. Even difficult things can be changed with work, and there is always hope. Always keep in mind how much time is wasted on the computer, phone, and TV.

Be realistic. Some things we say we want to be a habit every day, week, or month. But for certain seasons or quarters certain things can be accomplished and are maybe best swapped out in another season. I would be crazy in my area to set a goal for year round walking every day. But modifying this and saying I will do indoor walking workouts instead during the winter months can give me something to look forward to and is also a healthy habit. I don’t need to be discouraged that it is now a strain to do a certain routine. I can think creatively and modify it for what works better for this season or quarter.

victory will be yours!

I earnestly pray that these ideas can help you find a greater motivation, something to look forward to, and increased productivity in your life. It has to be simple and work naturally for me to be able to make it happen, and this has been FINALLY something that works for me. But if it doesn’t, don’t give up, keep tweaking, keep changing, and keep trying new things until you find what “clicks” for you! It’s worth it to achieve balance and your deepest dreams and desires for your life! You’re worth it!

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